Woman found badly burnt from chemical attack in Sydney

Australian police search bushland next to Ferraro Cresent in West Hoxton Park near Liverpool after finding a homeless woman with severe burns to 80 per cent of her body from a chemical attack they believe occurred about a week ago. (Image: dailytelegraph.com.au)

Woman found badly burnt from chemical attack in Sydney: A homeless woman was found Friday night with horrific burns to 80 per cent of her body from a chemical attack police believe took place a week ago, according to reports.

The woman was rushed to a hospital and is in an induced coma, with police saying they are astounded anyone could have survived this length of time with the horrendous injuries she has suffered.

Local residents reportedly heard cries coming from bushland near Ferraro Crescent at West Hoxton Friday night, and the police were called.

Upon arrival, the officers found 39-year-old Monika Chetty with burns covering 80 per cent of her body. She was taken to a hospital and is in a critical condition, with the burns being so severe that she could not be physically identified, said reports.

Ms. Chetty told police she had been approached by a man who threw a chemical on her about a week ago in Liverpool park.

Police said they believe she has been suffering from the burns since before New Year’s Eve.

Detective Superintendent James Johnson said the woman had sought assistance from nearby residents and was given food and water on December 31, according to reports.

He also said the woman’s burns are “black in nature and unmistakable” and called on witnesses to come forward.

“I don’t believe this woman could have survived for the last week without having some assistance from members of the public,” said the detective.

“We do know that on New Year’s Eve she did seek assistance from residents and was given some food and water,” he added.

A local resident said she called the police after seeing the homeless woman for several days.

“I thought, that’s it, I’m done, call the cops, something’s not right. And this is the outcome,” she said.

Ms. Chetty was unable to supply any information about her attacker, said Detective Superintendent Johnson.

“This is the most unusual thing I have seen in my 41 years in the police,” he added.

“I am astounded that anyone could survive this length of time with the horrific injuries that she has,” he said.

He noted, “She is a woman who has no known place of abode and has been living in various locations in between the Liverpool and West Hoxton area.”

Police also said Ms. Chetty has been estranged from her husband and children for a number of years. Her husband has been contacted, but is not considered a suspect.